Direct vs Representative Democracy

In Canada, the first three levels (Federal, Provincial and Municipal) of government function similarly to the definition of a Representative Democracy – that being, the whole body of citizens remain the sovereign power, but political power is exercised indirectly through elected representatives.

Condominium Owners cannot afford, nor should they want, a fourth level of government similar to the first three.

Condominium Corporations are fortunate when compared to other democratic societies, because of two characteristics;

Relatively small, and

Less diverse.

These two characteristics are enough to be leveraged to the advantage of condominium ownership.

Condominium Owners within an individual Condominium Corporation may share many commonalities including;

Appreciation for the location and neighborhood

Social position

Values

Needs and wants

Lifestyle,

And much more.

These commonalities make compromising and communal engagement and involvement a reachable goal.

Condo-Ology® is based upon the principals of Direct Democracy in contrast to our first three levels of representative democracy governments

Representative democracy: People vote for representatives who in turn vote on governance/policy initiatives.

Direct democracy: Gives citizens an extraordinary amount of participation in the legislation (in our case – the Corporation’s governing documents) process and granting them a maximum of political self-determination.

Governance is the process of decision-making by which decisions are implemented (or not implemented). Superior Condo-Ology® governance is developed and owned by those being governed.

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Comments 2

“Condominium Owners cannot afford, nor should they want, a fourth level of
government similar to the first three.” How did you reach this conclusion.
Did you commission a survey, by a neutral party, and you are conveying your
opinion based on the results, or you are an avid supporter of the iron fist
method used by too many Condominium Corporations to protect the vested
interests of “The Condo Industry”.
In a democracy such as Canada, no Condo Corporations should be allowed to
betray the Cardinal principles of Democracy, from suppression of freedom of
speech, to bullying and SLAPP suits( Strategic Lawsuit Against
Public Participation, to monopolize power, to treat owners like sheep,
and insist that the role of a Board of Directors is to direct the sheep,
and the herd has no say whether the journey ends in green pastures, or
arid lands.
I can assure you many Condominiums are governed like the Gulags and
owners are not sure if their property is part of the Soviet Republic of
Ontario, or a Democracy like Canada, where a Condo owner should have a
say in shaping the destiny of his most valuable investment-his home.

My personal comment “Condominium Owners cannot afford, nor should they want, a fourth level of government similar to the first three.” Is based upon a long career as a front line condominium manager and have observed that successfully run condo corps are 100% transparent and Boards encourage owners engagement.

Unfortunately you have totally misunderstood the blog (could be the way I have worded it). We both are on the same page. I am not suggesting betraying democracy, if fact, I am suggesting the opposite by suggesting Boards embrace Direct Democracy vs. Representative Democracy.

Representative democracy: People vote for representatives who in turn vote on governance/policy initiatives.

Direct democracy: Gives citizens (Condo Owners) an extraordinary amount of participation in the legislation (in our case – the Corporation’s governing documents) process and granting them a maximum of political self-determination.

Direct democracy supports your comment “Condo owner should have a say in shaping the destiny of his most valuable investment-his home, valuable investment/Home/Condo should be the subject.”